In a significant boost to public healthcare, the Jharkhand government has announced that residents will soon have access to advanced medical treatment for 21 critical diseases at four major state-run hospitals. This initiative aims to provide high-quality, specialized care without financial hardship.
Major Expansion of Critical Care Services
The decision was finalized during a review meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Ajoy Kumar Singh on Tuesday. The health department confirmed that the advanced treatments will be rolled out at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi, Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Memorial Medical College and Hospital in Dhanbad, Sadar Hospital in Ranchi, and MGM Medical College and Hospital in Jamshedpur.
All medical procedures under this initiative will be covered by the Chief Minister Abua Health Security Scheme. This ensures that patients receive care through predefined packages, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses and bureaucratic delays. The scheme guarantees hassle-free access to quality healthcare for serious conditions.
Focus on Sickle Cell and Complex Procedures
A special focus of the program is on combating sickle cell anaemia. The government plans to develop comprehensive treatment facilities for sickle cell anaemia at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi. Furthermore, to enable bone marrow transplants within the state, the health department will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the prestigious Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore.
The list of covered conditions is extensive and includes some of the most challenging medical situations. Patients suffering from all types of cancer, those in need of kidney transplants, and individuals with severe liver diseases will be covered. The scheme also includes treatment for acid attack injuries and serious blood disorders like thalassaemia and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.
Advanced Surgical and Medical Interventions Covered
The state has approved coverage for a range of sophisticated procedures that were previously difficult to access. These include:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting supported by an intra-aortic balloon pump (CABG + IABP).
- Critical care management for severe head injuries.
- Retinal detachment surgery.
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery for trauma and burn victims.
- Renal replacement therapy for patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Additional medical conditions covered under the scheme are congenital deformities, brain haemorrhage, cochlear implants, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and other complex surgical and medical interventions.
Partnership with Private Hospitals
To ensure widespread access and reduce waiting times, the government will also extend these advanced treatment facilities to several major private hospitals across Jharkhand. The empanelled private institutions include Paras HEC Hospital, Manipal Hospitals, Samford Hospital, Medanta Hospital, and Raj Hospital.
This public-private partnership model is designed to leverage existing infrastructure and expertise, making life-saving treatments available to a larger number of citizens. It represents a major step forward in the state's commitment to providing equitable and advanced healthcare for all its residents, particularly for those battling life-threatening diseases.
